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Security to be tightened for US-bound flights

Security at some European and Middle Eastern airports is to be boosted

US authorities plan to bolster security at some airports in Europe and the Middle East with direct flights to the United States.

Amid concern terror groups are developing new explosives to circumvent airport security, US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson announced unspecified steps that would be carried out in "the coming days".

He did not say which airports would be affected.

"We are sharing recent and relevant information with our foreign allies and are consulting the aviation industry," Mr Johnson said in a statement.

After an assessment of security threats, Mr Johnson said he had directed the Transportation Security Administration "to implement enhanced security measures in the coming days at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States".

He said that "we will continue to adjust security measures to promote aviation security without unnecessary disruptions to the travelling public".